Health care in the community to better health

With adequate support, nurse-technicians are the best partners for preserving our health. Visiting nurses-technicians supported by the Project for Strengthening Nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina have changed the lives of more than 100,000 families in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Nurse technicians play a key role in the prevention and management of chronic mass non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, malignant diseases and lung diseases. About 70% deaths in the world annually, and even over 80% in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are caused by complications of chronic mass non-communicable diseases. It is estimated that by 2025, their negative impact on global health will increase by 17%, with the highest prevalence in medium-developed countries. They are caused by largely preventable risk factors, such as alcohol abuse, smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate nutrition. 

This is precisely where visiting nurses-technicians have a decisive influence. By promoting healthy lifestyles, health education and disease prevention in the community and in patients' homes, especially among the most vulnerable people, they can improve the health outcomes of the population. 

The project to strengthen nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina is supported by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by the Fami Foundation and the University Hospital of Geneva. The project has so far supported the improvement of health care services in the community in Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Brčko, Derventa, Livno, Mostar, Odžak, Stari Grad Mostar, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Tomislavgrad and Tuzla, and currently cooperates with health centers in Zenica, Vitez, Derventa and Prnjavor.